Montag, 5. Januar 2015

Johnny Richards

This is the continued attempt to compile as much information as possible on Johnny Richards. Here's -A SHORT BIOGRAPHY -

Composer, born at Toluca, Querétaro State, Mexico, on November 2, 1911. (real name Juan Cascales) Grew up in Schenectady, New York. Mother who was a professional pianist who studied under Paderewski. Johnny went into a music school in Troy, Syracuse where he studied theory. After having played with vaudeville acts at the age 10 he played saxophone in theatre band before coming to London where he wrote scores for Gaumont films. Back to the States where he worked as Victor Young's assistent throughout the 30's. Formed own dance band 1940-45 in which he played tenor, clarinet and trumpet. After starting a career as composer-arranger at the West Coast where he worked for Boyd Raeburn, Stan Kenton, Charlie Barnet and Dizzy Gillespie 46-52. He then moved to New York and settled there. He continued to write for jazz musicians such as Sonny Stitt, Dizzy Gillespie and others. In the meantime he occasionally formed a big band with which he played at Birdland 58-60. He then started to concentrate on jazz writing but was back in 65 working with a big band. On October 7, 1968 after a lengthy battle with cancer, Johnny died in NYC.

Since more than 10 years I still cannot go back to my own collection. This is the reason why nearly all covers are drawn from the internet. In case, somebody is the owner of the rights for publishing, I'd ask to send an e-mail. It will be erased immediately.

1088 Something to remember you by1089 Body and soulIssues:All on Mercury 5071Notes:I presume after hearing, the ones issued on Brunswick, MB 101 and later on Jasmine are the 1930 hit versions - not the ones above.

Issues:Soundtrack from Columbia featurette BOYD RAEBURN AND HIS ORCHESTRAAll on Hep (GB) 3 entitled BOYD RAEBURN AND HIS ORCHESTRA 'ON THE AIR' VOL.2All on Hep (GB) 3 entitled BOYD RAEBURN AND HIS ORCHESTRA - WHERE YOU AT